Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
SOC: 49-3031 O*NET: 49-3031.00
Median Salary
$60,640
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
26.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
What does a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$41,670
10th percentile
Early Career
$49,240
25th percentile
Median
$60,640
50th percentile
Experienced
$73,690
75th percentile
Top Earners
$85,980
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$41,670
25th
$49,240
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$60,640
Mean: $62,480
75th
$73,690
90th
$85,980
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $44,310 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $49,240 and $73,690
- •Salary spread is 40.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 287,230 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:319,900
Top Industries
Truck Transportation19.9%
Wholesale Trade15%
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods12.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.4%
Annual Openings:26,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)319,900
Current
2034 (Projected)327,700
+2.4%
+7,800
Employment Change
+2.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Texas
29,730 jobs$57,8701.15x
California
21,730 jobs$70,6500.65x
New York
14,320 jobs$66,8400.81x
Ohio
14,170 jobs$59,6701.38x
Pennsylvania
13,560 jobs$60,3501.21x
Florida
12,570 jobs$60,4200.69x
Georgia
11,470 jobs$60,2601.27x
North Carolina
10,290 jobs$53,1901.13x
Illinois
9,920 jobs$62,7500.88x
Indiana
8,730 jobs$61,0501.47x
New Jersey
8,360 jobs$68,6201.06x
Michigan
8,330 jobs$59,2701.02x
Virginia
7,870 jobs$58,5301.04x
Wisconsin
7,170 jobs$60,1901.32x
Washington
6,880 jobs$76,9401.04x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Troubleshooting
100%
#2
Repairing
94%
#3
Operations Monitoring
86%
#4
Equipment Maintenance
80%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Equipment Selection
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Operation and Control
40%
Skills Overview
Troubleshooting
advanced5.0
100%
Repairing
advanced4.7
94%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate4.0
80%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Equipment Selection
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Repairing
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Equipment Selection
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Operation and Control
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers82%
5 shared skills
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines82%
5 shared skills
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Signal and Track Switch Repairers82%
5 shared skills
Rail Car Repairers73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Equipment Selection
- →Speaking
- →Critical Thinking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Repairing
- ★Quality Control Analysis
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (16)Operations & Execution (2)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)
1
Use handtools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pressure gauges, or precision instruments, as well as power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding equipment, or jacks and hoists.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Inspect brake systems, steering mechanisms, wheel bearings, and other important parts to ensure that they are in proper operating condition.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Perform routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution94% perform96%
4
Adjust and reline brakes, align wheels, tighten bolts and screws, and reassemble equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Raise trucks, buses, and heavy parts or equipment using hydraulic jacks or hoists.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Test drive trucks and buses to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they are working properly.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analyzers, chassis charts, or pressure gauges.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation82% perform88%
8
Examine and adjust protective guards, loose bolts, and specified safety devices.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Inspect and verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to factory specifications.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Specialize in repairing and maintaining parts of the engine, such as fuel injection systems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.39
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.29
Analytical Thinking
ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level3.87
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.84
Integrity
ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level3.82
Self-Control
ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level3.81
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Dependability
4.3
Analytical Thinking
3.9
Initiative
3.8
Integrity
3.8
Self-Control
3.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Concern for Others
3.7
Cooperation
3.7
Stress Tolerance
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists.
Browse Training Programs →